Real beauty knocks you a little bit off kilter.

– David Byrne

Speak in Person Whenever Possible.

We spend a huge amount of our daily routine sending and answering emails, usually for things that could be handled more quickly and effectively in person. Try speaking in person or picking up the phone whenever possible. You’ll get things done faster, spend less time composing and proofing emails, and will avoid any misunderstandings that come from misreading the tone of a text conversation.

I loved to give my own version of stories that everybody already knew.

– Pedro Almodóvar

Find a few reliable sources of information.

You’d be amazed at how much time you can spend on research if you don’t know where to start. A reliable source of information, be it a friend in the know, a journalist, a blog, or a reliable website, all of these can help you stay plugged in to your area of interest, and help you cut down on time spent looking for the answer to any question you might have.

I felt early on I wasn’t going to be a respectable citizen.

– Cormac McCarthy

Work Outside the Office.

While it’s necessary to work out of the office for meetings and collaborative projects, sometimes it’s good to get away from the hustle and bustle. Some people do their best work outside of the office, or work better in an environment with less distractions. Try working outside of the office at least one day a week, and see how it affects your productivity and creativity. You never know what may inspire you when you walk out the office door.

The more I paint the more I like everything.

– Jean Michel Basquait

Schedule Regular Breaks During the Day.

Our brains have trouble focusing on one thing for longer than 45 minutes at a time, so try and schedule your day with that in mind. If something will take you longer than that to complete, try breaking it up with other projects, meetings, or time to clear your head. You wouldn’t believe how feeling refreshed in mind and body will help your productivity.